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witness in the new media

August 1, 2011

"CHRISTIAN WAY"

When people exchange information, they are already sharing themselves, their view of the world, their hopes, their ideals. It follows that there exists a Christian way of being present in the digital world; this takes the form of a communication which is honest and open, responsible and respectful of others.

"PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL"

To proclaim the Gospel through the new media means not only to insert expressly religious content into different media platforms, but also to witness consistently, in one's own digital profile and in the way one communicates choices, preferences and judgments that are fully consistent with the Gospel, even when it is not spoken of specifically.

CONSISTENT WITNESS

... It is also true that in the digital world that a message cannot be proclaimed without a consistent witness on the part of the one who proclaims it. In these new circumstances and with these new forms of expression, Christians are again called to offer a response to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope which is within them (cf. 1 Pt 3:15).

CHALLENGING MESSAGE

The task of witnessing to the Gospel in the digital era calls for everyone to be particularly attentive to the aspects of the message which can challenge some of the ways of thinking typical of the web.

REAL WORLD FAITH

Even when it is proclaimed in the virtual space of the web, the Gospel demands to be incarnated in the real world and linked to the real faces of our brothers and sisters, those with whom we share our daily lives. Direct human relationship always remain fundamental for the transmission of the faith!

AN INVITATION TO CHRISTIANS

I ... invite Christians, confidently and with an informed and responsible creativity, to join the network of relationships which the digital era has made possible. This is not simply to satisfy the desire to be present, but because this network is an integral part of human life.

"THE TRUTH OF CHRIST"

The truth of Christ is the full and authentic response to that human desire for relationship, communion and meaning which is reflected in the immense popularity of social networks.

(Source: Message for World Communications Day, 1/24/11)